The National Civil Society Council of Nigeria (NCSCN) has publicly commended the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for overseeing a remarkably transparent and efficient recruitment process for paramilitary agencies in 2025. The council lauded the exercise as a significant departure from past practices, citing its innovative, technology-based approach.
Council Applauds Digital Framework and Ministerial Leadership
In a communiqué issued on Wednesday, 18 December 2025, following its Fourth Quarter end-of-year meeting, the NCSCN highlighted the successful deployment of a centralized, digital recruitment portal. The statement was jointly signed by the council's representatives, Oscar Kalu and Gambo Jagindi. This system was used by agencies under the Federal Ministry of Interior, including the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Nigerian Correctional Service, the Federal Fire Service, and the Nigeria Immigration Service.
The council noted that the unified online platform, public release of shortlisted candidates' names, and consistent warnings against fraud created a more credible process. "The 2025 recruitment exercise reflects the minister’s commitment to accountability and institutional reform," the communiqué stated. It acknowledged the high volume of nationwide applications which tested the portal's capacity, leading to intermittent crashes.
Proactive Interventions and Future Recommendations
A key point of praise was Dr. Tunji-Ojo's hands-on response to technical issues. The council reported that the Minister personally ordered urgent fixes and ensured the complete upload of all applicant data, calling this "proactive and responsive governance." This direct intervention was seen as crucial to maintaining fairness and transparency while protecting applicants' information.
Looking forward, the NCSCN urged the Ministry to solidify these gains by institutionalizing the digital recruitment framework. It recommended an after-action review and enhanced public awareness campaigns through media and civil society partnerships to further deter fraudsters targeting job seekers. The council also called for sustained inter-agency collaboration to ensure future exercises are inclusive, merit-based, and respect federal character principles.
A Call for Vigilance and Sustained Reform
The civil society body issued a stern warning to the public, advising applicants to rely solely on official ministry channels for information. It emphasized that no legitimate government recruitment requires payment or third-party intermediaries. The NCSCN pledged to continue monitoring recruitment and other reforms within the interior sector, asserting that such transparency is vital for building professional and trustworthy security institutions.
Finally, the council reaffirmed its support for ongoing reforms, stressing that continuous investment in digital infrastructure and staff training is essential to prevent technical disruptions and entrench public trust in national institutions.
